Taking advantage of the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, Robert Coulter Jr. American Legion Post 1941 held its 7th Annual Toys for Tots Holiday drive Saturday.
Although the weather was colder than the drive’s unseasonably warm 2022 day, the Post still managed to bring in a decent amount of toys and warm weather coats for the less fortunate.
“We still got about 600 toys,” Bill Kiddon, Vice Commander of the Post, said. “And about 225 winter coats. It was definitely a drop-off. Maybe inflation is having an effect.”
Indeed, with inflation a continuing problem, Kiddon noted that the less fortunate were still struggling saying, “this certainly fills a need.”
Kiddon pointed out that during the last six years, Post 1941 has been able to collect 5,000 toys for families in dire financial circumstances.
The event ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and was staffed by members of the Post, a contingent of Marines, several local volunteers, and members of the Salvation Army.
Salvation Army Major Heriberto Jara helped out, saying through an interpreter that he was glad the event helped get the message out about people in need.
Jara is from Chile, a log-time member of SA, and is just beginning a four-year assignment in the Chicago area, based out of the Cicero location.
Asked about his first impressions of Chicago, he laughed and said, “it’s cold.”
Mike Maher, an Air Force Veteran who recently became Post 1941’s Commander, talked about the work done by the Post while dressed in a Santa Clause suit.
“I think it’s one of the best things we do,” he said. “Bingo is important, too. A lot of people liked to get out of the house and it helps us raise money so we can give it away. The Post is mostly veteran-centered, but we also help other organizations that aren’t necessarily limited to veterans. We get a lot of help from the community. People care.”
In addition to weekly Bingo, the Post has a pancake breakfast and spaghetti dinner — usually both in the Spring — and has performances by various bands throughout the year.
The money raised goes to local organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Little League, and various veteran’s organizations.
The event is held in conjunction with the nationwide Toys for Tots drive, which originated with the United States Marine Corps and is one of the Corps’ biggest charity events.
Toys for Tots’ website relates how the drive began in 1947 and was the idea of Diane Hendricks, the wife of Marine Corps Major Bill Hendricks.
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Diane had produced a few handmade dolls that she wanted her husband to deliver to some organization dedicated to underprivileged children.
When he told her he couldn’t find such a charity, her reply was simple. “Start one,” she told him.
Bill Hendricks did just that and in the first year they were able to give away 5,000 toys.
The USMC shortly made it an annual event involving Marines all around the country and in recent years has averaged 6 million toys collected for the needy every year.
Also key to Post 1941’s yearly drive were the members of the Auxiliary Unit of Post 41.
Previously the group was known as the Lady’s Auxiliary, but with so many women now serving in our Armed Forces, spouses are now just called members of the auxiliary.
“There’s so many people out there who need help,” Elaine Michaels, president of the Auxiliary, said. “A toy will go a long way to bring a smile to a kid’s face, and occupy the child for a while. You don’t know what a book or a toy will do to occupy a child’s time. Or a coat — many people need coats. It’s cold outside and many people have growing families where kids outgrow their clothes every year.”
For further information on the Robert Coulter American Legion
Post 1941, visit its website at al1941.org.
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.